Adding This Popular Spice to Your Coffee Can Boost Flavor and Help Lower Risk of Diabetes and Heart Disease
Spice up your morning java.
Maybe you always add cream and two sugars to your morning cup o’ Joe, or perhaps you just like to drink it black. But no matter how you take it, there are a few very good reasons why you may want to consider adding cinnamon to your next mug of coffee.
The Health Benefits of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices in the world, and rightfully so. In addition to providing a warm kick to any drink or dish, it’s full of antioxidants that fight inflammation and battle cell-damaging free radicals, it has anti-neurodegenerative properties that can prevent conditions like dementia, and it may even protect against cancer.
And now there’s another reason to love it: According to Dr. Oz, the spice can also fight your risk of Type 2 diabetes because it contains a compound that mimics insulin and uses digestive enzymes to break down carbs. Moreover, it’s able to cut the risk of heart disease, which is another major health problem often found alongside diabetes.
How To Incorporate Cinnamon Into Your Coffee Routine
Don’t just sprinkle a little cinnamon on the top of your drink. Instead, go straight to the source: your coffee maker. Coffee Masters NYC champion Erika Vonie appeared on a recent episode of Dr. Oz’s show and suggested sprinkling a large spoonful of cinnamon directly onto your pot’s coffee grounds themselves before brewing. “That way you don’t have the cinnamon sediment at the bottom of your cup in that last swig,” she explained. “This can be [served] hot, this can be [served] cold, whatever you like.”
Dr. Oz points out a last big bonus of adding cinnamon: It can often just be a perfect swap for sugar, no added sweetness necessary. And if you want to give your morning cup even more of a boost, it may be time to consider including a pinch of salt or throwing in a tablespoon of almond butter. Not only will you have a rich, warm drink for the morning, but it’s also a perfect treat for this cold time of year. Consider giving cinnamon-infused coffee a try!
This article was updated on Thursday, August 4 at 11:30 am EST. It was originally published on October 27, 2021.
